Attachment system for frontal helmet extension to a helmet

ABSTRACT

An attachment system for securing a frontal helmet extension to protective headgear, the attachment system including one or more magnetic elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and one or more complementary elements disposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and adapted to engage the magnetic elements. The magnetic elements and complementary elements are configured to detachably couple the frontal helmet extension to the helmet in a position wherein the frontal helmet extension extends forward from the helmet. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementary elements so that the frontal helmet extension is effectively secured to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmet while allowing release of the frontal helmet extension from the helmet upon impact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/877,426, filed on Jul. 19, 2013, which is a U.S. national stageapplication under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application No.PCT/US2011/54824, filed Oct. 4, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/390,111, filed on Oct. 5, 2010,the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

The inventive subject matter disclosed herein relates to an attachmentsystem for a visor to a protective helmet, such as helmets used inmotocross, other motorsports or protective helmets such as being used indownhill bicycling sports.

Protective helmets are frequently used for recreational and vocationalactivities and sports. For example, protective helmets are used as headprotection in motorsports, by jockeys in horse racing, in Americanfootball, ice hockey games, cricket games, and during rock climbing.Protective helmets are also used when performing dangerous workactivities, such as hard hats used in construction work, during miningactivities, and by police agents. Protective helmets are often requiredto be worn in transportation, for example motorcycle helmets and bicyclehelmets.

Typical helmet construction consists of a shell having a generallydome-shape structure which covers most of the user's head and having aview area or opening at the front. Motorcycle helmets in particularoften have flip-down face screens for rain and wind protection, and theymay also have projecting visors to protect the eyes from glare.

The conventional motocross and off-road helmet has elongated chin andvisor portions, a chin bar, and partially open face to give the riderextra protection while wearing goggles and to allow the unhindered flowof air during the physical exertion of this type of riding. The visor isto allow the rider to dip his head and provide further protection fromflying debris during off-road riding. It will also keep the sun out ofthe eyes of the rider during jumps.

A visor is typically attached to the helmet by a coupling mechanism, forexample, the visor may be attached to the helmet with mechanicalfastener such as snaps, straps, or screws. Some of the prior art systemsattach the visor to the helmet by interactions between the vents of thehelmet and structural elements of the visor. For example, US2009/0083900 describes a visor that can be affixed to a football helmetand allows an open view the helmet wearer's eyes. The visor attaches tothe helmet by curving or snapping around reinforcement wires of thefacemask of the helmet. Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,084,describes a visor that attaches to the helmet via a cantilevermechanism, such as a fin, that clicks into a mouthport of the helmet.

The typical visor attachment systems, however, do not allow the visor todetachably break away from the helmet upon impact without structuraldamage to the helmet and/or visor, nor do the prior art system allow foreasy replacement of the visor in case the visor is broken or a differentstyle is desired. Furthermore, the typical visor attachment systems donot allow the visor to be adjusted on the helmet in an upward ordownward direction with an adjustment mechanism that is both reliableand user-friendly.

Accordingly there is a need for a protective helmet that provides animproved attachment system for coupling a visor to a helmet and allowingrelease of the visor upon impact. Additionally, there is a need forimproved adjustment mechanisms for repositioning a visor on a helmet.

SUMMARY

The inventive subject matter offers a solution for these problems byproviding an attachment system with the following qualities, alone or incombination.

The inventive subject matter is directed to an attachment system forsecuring a frontal helmet extension to a helmet, the attachment systemincluding one or more magnetic elements disposed on the helmet and/orfrontal helmet extension, and one or more complementary elementsdisposed on the helmet and/or frontal helmet extension and adapted tomagnetically engage the one or more magnetic elements. The magneticelements and complementary elements are configured to detachably couplethe frontal helmet extension to the helmet in a position wherein thefrontal helmet extension extends forward from the helmet. The magneticproperties of the magnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attractthe complementary elements so that the frontal helmet extension iseffectively secured to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmetwhile allowing release of the frontal helmet extension from the helmetupon impact of the frontal helmet extension.

In the foregoing embodiment, the frontal helmet extension may include avisor. In the foregoing embodiment, magnetic elements may include apermanent magnetic material and the complementary element may include aferrous material. In some embodiments, the magnetic elements may includea magnetic strip located in a helmet/visor contact area. In theforegoing embodiment, the magnetic elements may be integrated in thehelmet and exposed at an outer surface of the helmet, and thecomplementary elements may be exposed on an inner surface of the visor.

In some embodiments, the system may further include an adjustmentmechanism for vertically adjusting the position of the visor by pivotingthe visor. In the foregoing embodiment, the visor may pivot along thesides of the helmet and the adjustment mechanism holds the visor in therepositioned location. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustmentmechanism comprises complementary elements provided at an attachmentpoint along a midline of the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, theadjustment mechanism may allow for repositioning of the visor withincremental adjustments in an upward or downward direction of the visoralong the helmet. In the foregoing embodiment, the adjustment mechanismmay include complementary elements that have one or more ridges that arecontoured to complement the magnetic elements, that allow to repositionthe visor incrementally, and that allow incremental repositioning of thevisor on the helmet and that assist in holding the visor in thevertically adjusted position. In the foregoing embodiment, theadjustment mechanism may include an insert at an inner surface of thevisor having two or more indents complementary to the magnetic elementsand the indents securing the magnetic elements in a vertical directionso that the visor is held in the desired position. In some embodiments,the ridges may include a metal.

In another possible embodiment, the protective headgear may include anouter shell, a visor having an inner surface that is shaped tocomplement a portion of the outer shell, and an attachment system fordetachably coupling the visor to the outer shell. The attachment systemmay include one or more magnetic elements disposed on the outer shell,and one or more complementary elements disposed on the inner surface ofthe visor at locations corresponding to the locations of the magneticelements. The magnetic properties of the magnetic elements are adaptedto magnetically attract the complementary elements and hold the visor ina desired position on the outer shell. The visor is kept in place duringordinary use of the headgear, and the visor is released from theheadgear upon impact of the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, at leasttwo magnetic elements may be mounted at generally opposite sides of theheadgear and at least two complementary elements may be mounted atcorresponding locations on the visor. In the foregoing embodiment, atleast one magnetic element may be mounted at an upper area along amidline of the headgear and a complementary element may be mounted at acorresponding location along a midline of the visor. In the foregoingembodiment, the visor may extend from the headgear in a plane that isgenerally parallel to a horizontal plane of the headgear or may beallowed to pivot around the sides of the headgear at an angle relativeto a horizontal plane. In another possible embodiment, the headgearfurther includes an adjustment mechanism having one or morecomplementary elements on the visor that are shaped to complement themagnetic elements and that allow for a vertical adjustment of the visoralong the outer shell. In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanismallows for incremental adjustments of the visor in a vertical direction.In other embodiments, the complementary elements may have one or moreridges that are contoured to interact with the magnetic elements andthat allow repositioning and holding the visor in a vertical direction.

In another possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directedto a method for making protective headgear by providing an outer shell,providing a frontal helmet extension with an inner surface that isshaped to complement a portion of the outer shell, and providing theshell and frontal helmet extension with an attachment system fordetachably coupling the frontal helmet extension to the outer shell. Theattachment system is formed by mounting one or more magnetic elements onthe outer shell and one or more complementary elements on the innersurface of the frontal helmet extension at locations corresponding tothe locations of the magnetic elements. The magnetic properties of themagnetic elements are adapted to magnetically attract the complementaryelements so that the magnetic elements hold the frontal helmet extensionin a desired position on the outer shell. The frontal helmet extensionremains in place during ordinary use of the headgear, and the frontalhelmet extension releases from the headgear upon impact of the frontalhelmet extension.

Still another embodiment relates to a headgear including an outer shelland a frontal extension. The outer shell includes one or more firstcoupling elements positioned along the outer shell. The frontalextension has an inner surface shaped to complement a portion of theouter shell. The frontal extension includes one or more second couplingelements positioned along the inner surface to correspond with the oneor more first coupling elements to couple the frontal extension to theouter shell. The first coupling elements and the second couplingelements are configured to at least one of (i) couple the frontalextension to the outer shell with a break away connection and (ii)facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment of an angle at which thefrontal extension extends from the outer shell.

Yet another embodiment relates to a frontal extension of a helmet. Thefrontal extension includes an inner surface shaped to complement aportion of an outer shell of the helmet, and one or more couplingelements positioned along the inner surface to align with acorresponding number of coupling elements positioned along the outershell of the helmet. The one or more coupling elements of the frontalextension are configured to at least one of (i) couple the frontalextension to the outer shell with a break away connection and (ii)facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment of an angle at which thefrontal extension extends from the outer shell.

The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodimentsand features of the inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the artare capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures show embodiments according to the inventivesubject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a motocross helmet having a visorattached thereto.

FIGS. 2A-C are schematic representations of three possible arrangementsof magnetic elements and complementary elements for different attachmentsystems.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective side view of a motocross helmet andvisor as it is detached of the helmet.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the back side of a visor similar tothe one shown in FIG. 3 and showing part of a vertical adjustmentmechanism for the visor.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of another embodiment of a motocross helmetwithout a visor attached.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the motocross helmet of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of a magnetic element at the front of the helmetof FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of a magnetic element at the left side of thehelmet of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows a back view of a visor for the helmet of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the visor of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a detail of the adjustment mechanism on the visor of FIG.9.

FIG. 12 shows a detail of complementary element on the visor of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter areshown in FIGS. 1-12, wherein the same or generally similar featuresshare common reference numerals.

The inventive subject matter is directed to a detachable frontal helmetextension for an item of protective headgear, such as visors orfaceguards used on helmets. Examples include visors as used on helmetsfor off-road sports, such as motocross helmets or downhill bicyclinghelmets, or faceguards as used on football, hockey, and baseballhelmets.

The visor attaches to a front portion of the helmet, and is generallycentered along a midline of the helmet. As used herein, the visor is adistinct structure that couples to the helmet and that extends from thefront of the helmet to create a shade or shield to help protect the eyesand face of a wearer from objects and sun or light glare. The detachablevisor system includes an attachment system that includes magneticelements and complementary elements that are magnetically attracted tothe magnetic elements, e.g., another magnetic or a ferromagneticmaterial, such as iron or iron alloys. The strength of the magneticelements is adapted to balance securely coupling the visor to the helmetduring ordinary use of the helmet with the ability to release the visorfrom the helmet upon impact of the visor with a surface, such as theground or other hard surface. One or more of the magnetic elements maybe disposed along a midline of the helmet or in a generally central areaof the visor and helmet. In some embodiments, the attachment system mayinclude a position adjustment mechanism having spaced ridges withintegral magnetic elements, allowing for incremental adjustments basedon ridge spacing.

FIG. 1 shows a motocross helmet 2 and a visor 4 coupled to helmet 2.Visor 4 has an inner surface 6 that is dimensioned and shaped tocomplement an upper front surface 8 of helmet 2. Visor 4 attaches toboth sides 10, 12 of helmet 2 at generally opposite locations. Visor 4also attaches to the helmet at a central location 14 at the front 16 ofhelmet 2. When visor 4 is attached to helmet 2, visor 4 projects fromhelmet 2 in an upper front area 16 of helmet 2 above a front viewopening 18 of helmet 2. One end of visor 4 includes a projecting end 20that extends from the front 16 of helmet 2. The other end of visor 4includes a coupling end 22 that is arched or contoured to complementfront upper surface 8 of helmet 2 at a location above view opening 18 ofhelmet 2.

Visor 4 has a broad surface that extends laterally across helmet 2. Italso extends forward from helmet 2 in a direction that is generallyparallel to a horizontal plane, e.g., the ground when in use or top of auser's head. In some embodiments, the visor may pivot around the sidesof the helmet at an angle relative to a horizontal plane and the anglemay range, for example, anywhere between −90 degrees to +270 degreesrelative to a horizontal plane of the helmet. In further embodiments,the visor may be adjustable within a limited range along the upper frontside of the helmet, for example, at an angle ranging between −45 and +45degrees relative to a horizontal plane. FIG. 3 shows how a visor may berepositioned from a generally horizontal position indicated by plane H.For example, the visor may be repositioned downward in an area indicatedby arrow C, or upward in an area indicated by arrow B.

The attachment system magnetically and detachably connects the visor tothe helmet via magnetic elements positioned on the shell andcomplementary elements located on the visor, or vice versa. The elementsmay be arranged along various locations on the helmet/visor contactarea. In some embodiments, these elements may be arranged in analternating pattern of permanent magnets and metal inserts on the shelland on the visor, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. In thesefigures, the letter “M” refers to a magnetic element and the letter “A”refers to a complementary element, such as a metal insert or a magnetwith oppositely oriented poles to a magnet “M.” For example, FIG. 2Ashows a schematic view of an embodiments wherein five magnetic elementsM are positioned on a visor and five complementary elements A arepositioned on the helmet. FIG. 2B shows an embodiment wherein fivemagnetic elements M are located on the helmet and five complementaryelements A are located at corresponding locations on the visor. FIG. 2Cshows an arrangement of five elements in alternating configurations.

In other embodiments, the attachment system may include a single stripof magnetic material with complementary interacting elements mountedalong the visor/helmet contact area. For example, the visor shown inFIG. 2A could have a single continuous magnetic strip for the areamarked with the magnetic elements M.

In further embodiments, the visor may be attached to the shell atvarious locations along the visor/shell contact area and by any numberof contact points of magnetic elements.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3, 5-8 magnetic elements 24 are shownas circular protrusions of helmet shell 26 that are housed in raisedportions 28 of helmet shell 26. In other embodiments, magnetic elements24 may protrude directly from an outer shell surface 26 without raisedportions or they may be inserted or integrated partially or wholly inthe outer shell. In some embodiment the magnetic elements may be coatedwith a protective layer such as a plastic or a rubber film or sheetmaterial.

FIGS. 4, 9-12 show visor 4 having complementary elements 30 integratedwith inner surface 6 of visor 4. For example, the visor may havecomplementary ferromagnetic elements, such as metal inserts.Complementary elements 30 may be shaped and dimensioned to complementmagnetic elements 24 and are positioned on visor 4 at locationscorresponding to magnetic elements 24 on helmet shell 26.

In the embodiment shown, outer shell 26 and inner surface 6 of visor 4have complementary shapes to keep the visor in place. The attachmentsystem effectively couples visor 4 to helmet 2 based on thecomplementary contoured shapes of helmet 2 and visor 4 and the magneticforce of magnetic elements 24 and complementary elements 30. In contrastto the existing systems, there is no need for additional couplingfeatures that would require openings in the outer shell of the helmet orthat would interfere with aerodynamic features.

FIGS. 3-12 show helmet 2 and visor 4 having three contact points alongshell 26 of helmet 2. Two contact points 34 and 38 are located along theright and left sides of the helmet respectively, at locations generallyopposite from each other. One contact point 36 is located in a centralarea of visor 4. FIG. 3 shows an outer shell 26 of a motocross helmet 2with two of the three magnetic contact points on the helmet shown. Atthe right side of helmet 2, a contact point 34 at a locationcorresponding approximately to the right temple on the head of a wearer.A second contact point 36 is shown protruding from a central upper area14 of helmet 2. A third contact point 38 is located at the left side ofthe helmet at a location that is the mirror view of contact point 34shown at the right side of the helmet.

FIG. 4 shows visor 4 as it is detached from helmet 2. Inner surface 6 ofvisor 4 is contoured to complement a portion of outer shell 26 at upperfront surface 8. A first complementary element 30 that couples to amagnetic element on the left side of the helmet is shown. A secondcomplementary element (not shown) is located at the right side of thevisor, which is the mirror image of the first complementary element.

The attachment system may include any type of magnetic fasteners. Thefasteners may include first and second parts containing surfaces ofmagnetic material. For example, the first part may contain a magneticmaterial that may be attracted to a permanent magnet in the second part.The magnets and metal inserts may have a button shape, as shown, or anannular shape, or any other shape. The materials used in the attachmentsystem are materials or objects that produce a magnetic field. Thismagnetic field creates a force that pulls on other ferromagneticmaterials like iron and attracts or repels other magnets. The materialsmay be permanent magnet or materials that can be magnetized, such asferromagnetic materials. Examples include iron, nickel, cobalt, somealloys of rare earth metals such as neodymium magnets andsamarium-cobalt magnets, and some naturally occurring minerals such aslodestone. The elements used in the attachment system are selected basedon the overall strength of a magnet. Other examples of magnetic elementsthat may be used are ceramic magnets and alnico magnets. In someembodiments, injection molded magnets may be used. These magnets are acomposite of various types of resin and magnetic powders, allowing partsof complex shapes to be manufactured by injection molding. The physicaland magnetic properties of the product depend on the raw materials, butare generally lower in magnetic strength and resemble plastics in theirphysical properties. In some embodiments, flexible magnets may be used,using a flexible resin or binder such as vinyl, and produced in flatstrips, shapes or sheets. These magnets are lower in magnetic strengthbut can be very flexible, depending on the binder used.

The complementary elements may include a magnetically attractivematerial, such as a metal. Suitable materials include iron, nickel,cobalt, steel, stainless steel, or any other suitable metal or metalalloy.

The magnetic elements and complementary elements are selected to allowthe visor to be firmly fixed in place during ordinary use of the helmet.Ordinary use refers to any use of the helmet that is ordinary or commonuse for the sport or applications in which the helmet is used. Forexample, a motocross helmet's ordinary use includes use of the helmetassociated with driving the motorcycle and withstanding shocks andvibrations. Upon impact with a surface, for example during a crash andcontact of the visor with a ground surface or an obstacle, a strongforce causes the contact elements to release and allow the visor tobreak away from the helmet. Impact severity requirements vary widelyacross helmet types and even across standards prepared for the samehelmet type.

Optionally, the attachment system may include an adjustment mechanismallowing for vertical adjustment of the visor along the helmet, forexample to allow a rider to adjust the visor according to the sunconditions. The adjustment mechanism allows for incremental adjustmentsof the visor relative to the helmet. In some embodiments, the adjustmentmechanism may be integrated with magnetic elements of the attachmentsystem.

FIGS. 4, 9-12 show examples of adjustment mechanism 40 positionedgenerally along a midline of the visor at a central location 42. Theadjustment mechanism includes a strip or panel of complementary elements44 mounted on inner surface 6 of visor 4. Complementary elements 44 havethree indents or slots 46, 48, 50 with contoured ridges 52 that interactwith magnetic elements 24 on the outer shell 26. Ridges 52 allow aforward/backward adjustment of visor 4 relative to shell 2. When a useradjusts the position of the visor on the helmet, the user grabs theforward extending part of the visor and pulls it forward or pushes itbackward on the helmet. The visor then pivots around the outer twocontact points along the sides of the helmet and the visor is adjustedvertically by connecting one of the ridges with the complementarymagnetic element on the shell so that the magnetic element interlockswith the corresponding opening in the complementary element and thevisor is held in the desired location. In some embodiments, thecomplementary element may be formed of a machined metal with slots thatcapture the magnetic element.

Another example of an adjustment mechanism is shown in FIG. 1. Aperspective back view of adjustment mechanism 60 is shown with the visorattached to the helmet. The visor may be coupled to the helmet and pivotalong the sides of the helmet, for example as described above, and theadjustment mechanism allows for repositioning of the visor in an upwardor downward direction by pivoting along left and right contact points.The adjustment mechanism 60 may include complementary elements 60A, 60B,and 60C at locations facing the helmet so that the complementaryelements engage a magnetic element in a central location on the helmet.The magnetic elements and complementary elements may be shaped similarlyto the elements described in the embodiments above. FIG. 1 shows visor 4coupled to helmet 2 with visor 4 angled upward relative to a horizontalplane. Visor 4 may be held in this position, for example, bycomplementary element 60C interacting with a magnetic element on thehelmet.

In other embodiments, the adjustment mechanism could be a mechanismseparate from the magnetic attachment system, for example, conventionalmechanical fasteners that hold the visor in position in a releasableengagement that does not interfere with release of the visor uponimpact, or a quick release system of plastic interlocking elements.Other embodiments may have an adjustment mechanism that is slideablyadjustable. In further embodiments, the adjustment mechanism maycomprise a plurality of spaced apart magnetic elements along a verticalline.

The inventive subject matter allows for a visor to break away of thehelmet in a manner that is safer than that of prior art systems becausethe visor detaches on impact and does not dig into the ground, as priorart visors would. Additionally, the helmet maintains a sleek,aerodynamic finish as the visor attaches without the use of exteriorclips or fixtures. It also may allow for adjustability or replacement ofthe visor.

The inventive subject matter is further directed to a method for makingan attachment system and protective headgear by forming an outer shelland a visor. The inner surface of the visor is shaped to complement aportion of the outer shell which may be a molded material or a compositeconstruction. An attachment system is formed by mounting magneticelements on the outer shell and complementary elements on the innersurface of the visor at corresponding locations. The magnetic elementsare selected based on magnetic properties that are adapted tomagnetically attract the complementary elements and that hold the visorin the desired position on the outer shell. The magnetic strength andcontoured shapes of visor and helmet hold the visor in place duringordinary use of the headgear, and allow the visor to be released fromthe headgear upon impact of the visor with a rigid surface.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications andvariations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements ofthe parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in orderto explain the nature of the inventive subject matter, and that suchmodifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe teachings and claims contained therein.

All patent and non-patent literature cited herein is hereby incorporatedby references in its entirety for all purposes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A headgear, comprising: an outer shell includingone or more first coupling elements positioned along the outer shell; afrontal extension having an inner surface shaped to complement a portionof the outer shell, the frontal extension including one or more secondcoupling elements positioned along the inner surface to correspond withthe one or more first coupling elements to couple the frontal extensionto the outer shell; wherein the first coupling elements and the secondcoupling elements are configured to at least one of (i) couple thefrontal extension to the outer shell with a break away connection and(ii) facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment of an angle at which thefrontal extension extends from the outer shell.
 2. The headgear of claim1, wherein the first coupling elements and the second coupling elementsare configured to couple the frontal extension to the outer shell withthe break away connection such that the frontal extension is effectivelysecured to the outer shell during ordinary use of the headgear, whileallowing release of the frontal extension from the outer shell inresponse to an impact to the frontal extension.
 3. The headgear of claim1, wherein the first coupling elements and the second coupling elementsare configured to facilitate the toolless pivotable adjustment of theangle at which the frontal extension extends from the outer shell inresponse to a user pulling forward or pushing backward on the frontalextension.
 4. The headgear of claim 1, wherein one of the first couplingelements and the second coupling elements include an indexing element,wherein the indexing element is configured to facilitate incrementalpivotable repositioning of the frontal extension and assist in holdingthe frontal extension at a selected angle.
 5. The headgear of claim 4,wherein the indexing element has one or more ridges that are contouredto complement a coupling element of the other one of the first couplingelements and the second coupling elements.
 6. The headgear of claim 1,wherein the first coupling elements and the second coupling elementsinclude at least one of magnetic elements and complementary elements,wherein the magnetic elements comprise a permanent magnet material andthe complementary elements comprise a ferrous material.
 7. The headgearof claim 1, wherein the second coupling elements of the frontalextension cover the first coupling elements of the outer shell and thesecond coupling elements are positioned along the inner surface of thefrontal extension such that the frontal extension and the outer shellappear to be a unitary structure when coupled.
 8. A frontal extension ofa helmet, comprising: an inner surface shaped to complement a portion ofan outer shell of the helmet; and one or more coupling elementspositioned along the inner surface to align with a corresponding numberof coupling elements positioned along the outer shell of the helmet;wherein the one or more coupling elements of the frontal extension areconfigured to at least one of (i) couple the frontal extension to theouter shell with a break away connection and (ii) facilitate toollesspivotable adjustment of an angle at which the frontal extension extendsfrom the outer shell.
 9. The frontal extension of claim 8, wherein theone or more coupling elements of the frontal extension include a firstcoupling element positioned on a first lateral side of the inner surfaceand a second coupling element positioned on an opposing second lateralside of the inner surface, wherein the frontal extension is configuredto pivot about the first coupling element and the second couplingelement.
 10. The frontal extension of claim 9, wherein the one or morecoupling elements of the frontal extension include a third couplingelement positioned along a midline of the inner surface.
 11. The frontalextension of claim 10, wherein the third coupling element is configuredto facilitate incremental pivotable repositioning of the frontalextension when coupled to the outer shell and assist in holding thefrontal extension at a selected angle.
 12. The frontal extension ofclaim 10, wherein the third coupling element has one or more ridges thatare contoured to complement one of the corresponding number of couplingelements positioned along the outer shell of the helmet.
 13. Anattachment system for securing a frontal extension to a helmet, theattachment system comprising: one or more first coupling elementsdisposed on the helmet; and one or more second coupling elementsdisposed on the frontal extension, the one or more second couplingelements positioned to correspond with the one or more first couplingelements; wherein the first coupling elements and the second couplingelements are configured to couple the frontal extension to the helmetwith a break away connection.
 14. The attachment system of claim 13,wherein the first coupling elements and the second coupling elements arecoupled with the break away connection such that the frontal extensionis effectively secured to the helmet during ordinary use of the helmet,while allowing release of the frontal extension from the helmet inresponse to an impact to the frontal extension.
 15. The attachmentsystem of claim 13, wherein the first coupling elements and the secondcoupling elements include at least one of magnetic elements andcomplementary elements, wherein the magnetic elements comprise apermanent magnetic material, and wherein the complementary elementscomprise a ferrous material.
 16. The attachment system of claim 13,wherein at least two first coupling elements are positioned at generallyopposite sides of the helmet, and wherein at least two second couplingelements are positioned at corresponding locations on the frontalextension.
 17. The attachment system of claim 16, wherein the at leasttwo first coupling elements and the at least two second couplingelements are configured to facilitate toolless pivotable adjustment ofan angle at which the frontal extension extends forward from the helmet,wherein the frontal extension is configured to pivot about the at leasttwo first coupling elements positioned along the sides of the helmet.18. The attachment system of claim 17, wherein at least one firstcoupling element is positioned at an upper area along a midline of thehelmet, and wherein at least one second coupling element is positionedat a corresponding location along a midline of the frontal extension.19. The attachment system of claim 18, wherein the at least one firstcoupling element and the at least one second coupling element areconfigured to hold the frontal extension at a selected angle.
 20. Theattachment system of claim 19, wherein one of the at least one firstcoupling element and the at least one second coupling element has one ormore ridges that at least one of (i) are contoured to complement theother one of the at least one first coupling element and the at leastone second coupling element, (ii) facilitate incremental repositioningof the frontal extension on the helmet, and (iii) assist in holding thefrontal extension at the selected angle.